The Exeed LX has not impressed at first glance. It arrived with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, and its behavior felt predictable and sluggish, like piloting a heavy SUV rather than a modern crossover.
With all-wheel drive, the LX responds differently. The change isn’t about a handful of perks from the leadership team; it’s about how weight is distributed across the axles. Once the rear axle bears load, the handling shifts noticeably. The vehicle settles into corners with poise and delivers the kind of steering feel and stability you expect from a crossover aiming for premium credentials.
Exeed LX AWD
What changed?
All-wheel drive is carried over from the older TXL model. The rear axle engages via an electromagnetic clutch with a response time around 0.07 seconds, a seamless moment that is rarely noticeable. The system uses a 5‑speed Haldex arrangement for enhanced efficiency and smoothness.
The driving character is boosted by a 1.6‑liter turbo engine paired with a seven-speed automated gearbox, inherited from the TXL. Although the engine power is reduced to 150 horsepower, a torque figure of 275 Nm persists, and the accompanying gearbox delivers sharper responses than the CVT, making the LX feel more engaging to drive.
With four-wheel drive, the same 1.6 turbo engine from the TXL remains in play, but power is tuned down from 186 to 150 hp. The torque figure stays steady at 275 Nm, preserving the essential midrange pull that helps the AWD version feel more dynamic on road.
On the road
Off-road abilities aren’t the standout here. The multi‑mode traction system and a capable clutch are useful, but ground clearance and approach angles still limit outright off-road capability. The vehicle rides relatively low for an SUV, and there is only 18 cm of ground clearance under the engine protection. The front bumper, with its radar units for automated driving assist, remains vulnerable to damage over rough terrain. For those who don’t expect this LX to conquer rugged trails, the all-wheel-drive setup remains highly relevant and improves on-road confidence. Performance differs enough to make a noticeable character shift; the LX finally feels like it has a real sense of purpose. It isn’t cheap—top-end Premium Plus variants can reach around 3.75 million rubles—but the AWD version offers a tangible upgrade in handling and drive feel.
Exeed LX AWD specifications
- Length / Width / Height / Wheelbase: 4533 / 1848 / 1690 / 2650 mm
- Trunk volume: 412 / 1113 liters
- Top speed: 205 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: 10.2 seconds
- Engine: petrol, 1598 cc, 110 kW / 150 HP at 5500 rpm; 275 Nm torque at 2000–4000 rpm
- Fuel: AI-92, fuel tank 51 L
- Drivetrain: four-wheel drive; transmission P7
Nominated for the Grand Prix “Behind the Wheel”
New models are eligible for the 2023 Driving Grand Prix, including those introduced in 2022 or that have undergone a generation change. Restyling counts, and the Exeed LX is considered a 100% new entry. All details about the competition are compiled in the dedicated section on the site.
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